Summary : This Indonesia expedition, whether taken separately, or in conjunction with Best of Indonesia: Voyage I, presents an exotic blend of culture and nature, showcasing the very best of this enigmatic archipelago. Thrilling cultural encounters and amazing natural wonders are found on the Manado tour to Port Moresby. Zodiacs bring you ashore on remote shores and allow you to access legendary snorkel and dive sites. You will also witness the diverse cultures that inhabit this magical corner of the world, where time-honored rituals and traditional lifestyles are preserved.

This morning return to the airport for your flight to Manado. Upon arrival enjoy a city tour visiting the open air produce market and the North Sulawesi Provincial Museum where a local guide presents the history of the region. This afternoon board the Clipper Odyssey.

Bunaken lies off the coast of Manado and encompasses more than 185,000 acres of crystal-clear waters. Established as a national marine park in 1991 the biodiversity here is phenomenal and its coral reefs are considered some of the best in Indonesia. During your day here, explore both above and below the waters, snorkeling or diving among kaleidoscopic reefs, investigating walls covered in colorful soft corals, and viewing the amazing invertebrate community that includes an abundance of sea stars, anemones, sponges, and sea urchins.

Tiny volcanic Ternate is situated just west of Halmahera. This island was once, along with its neighbor Tidore, the only source of cloves in the world. Caught between the tug of the Dutch and Portuguese for its spicy riches, Ternate offers fascinating cultural and historical sites including two impressive forts. After a stop at the local market, enjoy a traditional cultural performance.

More than 1,500 karst limestone islands make up the majestic archipelago of Raja Ampat. The marine environment here, known as the Bird’s Head Seascape, is heralded as the most biodiverse on earth and includes 75 percent of all known coral species and more than 1,220 types of reef fish. Spend three days enjoying this unsurpassed coral wonderland and abundant marine life that calls it home. Birders go ashore to look for species such as the red bird of paradise, sulphur-crested cockatoo, beach kingfisher, varied honeyeater, spice imperial pigeon, and singing starling in the dense forests.

A breathtaking coastline of natural bays, tiny islets, pristine rain forest, and soaring mountains surrounds MacCluer Gulf. Dozens of local seafaring tribes populate the shores. In the morning our Zodiacs weave among clusters of mushroom-shaped limestone islets where rock ledges protect outstanding displays of ancient Papuan rock art. Then go ashore to visit Kokas, strongly fortified by the Japanese during WWII, and today a prosperous fishing town of 3,000 residents. A cultural heritage presentation includes the traditional gabagaba, or stick dance.

The spectacular Mommon Peninsula is covered in forest often veiled in wisps of cloud. A strong river empties into the sea as a beautiful waterfall and, if tides permit, you may land on a small nearby beach. Snorkeling and diving reveal huge and colorful soft corals fed by channels teeming with fish.

Ten thousand square miles of mangrove forest, bamboo, and sago palms have long sheltered the Asmat region from outsiders. At high tide the ship enters the shallow channel of the Flamingo River to anchor for the night near the village of Agats, the regional capital of the Asmat.

A remote riverine world is revealed as Zodiacs carry you along narrow waterways lined with the entwined branches of thick mangrove forests, home to Torres Strait imperial pigeons, sulphur-crested cockatoos, and bright red lorikeets. As you make your way upstream, villagers—whooping and chanting in elaborate warrior gear and war paint—paddle vigorously toward you in intricately carved canoes. You are escorted ashore, where enthusiastic welcomes await. A walk along elevated wooden boardwalks leads to a cathedral with superb carvings, and the museum with displays of ancestor poles, drums, body masks, shields, daggers, and skulls, a reminder that cannibalism was practiced by the ancestors of some villagers. Asmat woodcarvings are known for their powerful lines and coarse, expressive motifs, and are widely considered by collectors and scholars to be among the world’s finest. With the staff anthropologist helping you to communicate, you have the opportunity to purchase carvings directly from village artisans.

Australia’s northernmost point, Thursday Island lies in the strategic Torres Strait. Settled in the late 19th century, its early fame rested on pearling by Japanese fishermen. During WWII, Australian and American troops were stationed at the base here. Explore the small sleepy town and take in the sweeping view from Green Hill Fort, built in 1893, then return to the ship for lunch. There is free time this afternoon to explore on your own.

This morning disembark in Port Moresby and visit the National Museum and Arts Center, exhibiting one of the finest collections of primitive art in the world. After lunch check in to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner and overnight.

Included:All gratuities; accommodations in hotels and on board Clipper Odyssey as outlined in the itinerary; all onboard meals; all group meals on land; arrival and departure transfers on group dates; services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows; all group activities and excursions; landing and port fees; $50,000 of medical expense coverage and $75,000 in emergency evacuation insurance.

*Emergency Medical & Evacuation Insurance:Emergency medical coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $50,000 is included in the cost of this expedition, as well as evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $75,000. Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA. The policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states. Please note this coverage does not cover you against trip cancellation or for additional days of travel prior to and/or after the expedition trip dates. ExpeditionTrips strongly advises all clients to purchase travel insurance which includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage for the entire duration of your trip.

Clipper Odyssey (charter)

Overview : This 110-passenger luxury expedition ship has all the amenities you would expect to find aboard a luxury yacht. She has an elevator to all five passenger decks, main and day lounge, library, elegant single-seating dining room, salon, small gym, Jacuzzi, dedicated jogging track, fleet of Zodiac landing craft, and outdoor pool, the Clipper Odyssey provides a high level of comfort. The Captain maintains an open bridge policy. An experienced cruise staff and onboard lecturers accompany all voyages to enhance the passengers’ enjoyment of the places visited. All meals are prepared to order on board. Clipper's chefs, graduates of the finest American culinary schools.

Cabin Description : Staterooms are located on four decks, and are all outside and unusually spacious, averaging a generous 186 square feet in size. They are elegantly furnished with either twin- or queen-size beds and a sitting area with sofa. Each features a spacious bathroom with tub baths and shower, hair dryer, individually controlled air-conditioning, in-room music system, ample wardrobe space, three-sided mirrors, personal safe, minibar/refrigerator, and television.

A. and J. K.

Circumnavigation of the Black Sea

Luxury Expedition Ship
Clipper Odyssey (charter)

This was our first voyage aboard the Clipper Odyssey and it won't be our last. The quality of the staff, the professional experts, and the interesting and well traveled fellow travelers onboard, not to leave out the itinerary, make for a most enjoyable holiday.

Payment Policy

Deposit: 25% per person to confirm reservation

Airfare: Due at time of issuance

Final Payment: Due 120 days prior to departure

Payment Methods:Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX)

Cancellation Policy

In the event of a cancellation, notification must be received from the client in writing. At the time written notification is received, the following penalties apply:

• 180 days or more prior to departure: $750 per person

• 120 through 179 days prior to departure: 25% of expedition fare

• 1 through 119 days prior to departure: 100% of expedition fare

Some air fare may be nonrefundable. Once an expedition has departed, there will be no refunds for any unused portions of the trip. The above policy also applies to all extensions and independent travel arrangements made in conjunction with this program.

Please note that a Medical Form signed by your doctor may be required for participation in certain trips.